Additional Resources
for Unemployment Insurance Customers

Many Rhode Islanders experiencing long-term unemployment have exhausted or may soon exhaust the maximum unemployment insurance benefits currently available. With this fact in mind, the Department of Labor and Training would like to inform you of other resources available to Rhode Islanders experiencing financial difficulties. Please note that even if you were considered ineligible for these services while you were collecting unemployment insurance benefits, you may become eligible when your benefits are exhausted.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)operated by the RI Dept. of Human Services
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as the Food Stamps Program, helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. SNAP recipients qualify for benefits based on their income, the resources they have and the number of individuals in their household.

Individuals may pick up SNAP applications at RI Dept. of Human Services sites around the state. A complete list of DHS offices is available online at www.dhs.ri.gov/DHSOffices/index.php.

The Economic Progress Institute Guide to Assistance
The Economic Progress Institute - formerly The Poverty Institute - is a nonpartisan research and policy organization dedicated to improving the economic well-being of low- and modest-income Rhode Islanders.

Individuals may access information on various programs for individuals and families.

The netWORKri one-stop career centers system is a partnership of professional labor, training and education organizations that match job seekers with employers. Click here for locations of netWORKri offices.

Provides temporary cash assistance for low-income and unemployed parents with children. If you and your children need temporary assistance, please request a RI Works application at one of the following RI Dept. of Human Services offices:

The Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner has compiled a list of health insurance resources, including HealthMate and RIteCare, under the heading "Insurance Options" under Consumers. There are also consumer alerts, frequently asked questions and information on controlling premiums.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides for premium reductions and additional election opportunities for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. Eligible individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit.

Rhode Island residents may have access to a FREE Prescription Drug Card program. Simply download and print a free RIRx card below from www.rirx.com/index.php. This program has “LOWEST PRICE” logic to guarantee that you pay the lowest price on your prescriptions (you pay the lower of a discount off the Average Wholesale Price-AWP, a discount calculated off MAC Pricing, or the Pharmacy Promotional/Retail price). RIRx is accepted at over 50,000 pharmacies around the country.

The local Community Action Programs (CAPs) provide Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance from November 1st to March 31st to residents at or below 60 percent of the RI median income. They determine income eligibility (view the low income guidelines) and, based on household income, make direct payments on your behalf to your heating to help with energy bills or restore gas or electric service. Click here for a listing of CAP locations.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is the federal government’s major program for helping income-eligible participants afford safe, healthy homes in their community. The Housing Choice Voucher Program allows the individual or family to choose a home, including their present home, and use a voucher to obtain rental assistance. The landlord must agree to the terms of the program and the home must meet safety requirements. Click here to visit the "For Renters" web page.